Beer needs no introduction. It’s the world’s favorite alcoholic drink, surpassing other favorites such as wine and cocktails. But while some brands of beer are widely known and easy to find, others are somehow reserved for initiates and beer geeks. And, according to a study carried out by two Stanford University Computer experts, the beer geeks seem to have the best tastes. As we consume more and more varieties of a product, our ability to detect fine nuances improves and we discriminate better between the various types of taste we experience. This observation, proven right by the scientific study mentioned above, can actually be applied to almost anything. Some things are more for beginners, while others are more likely to be enjoyed by initiates who had already gained some expertise.

As for the best 10 beers in the world, the study has shown that the ones rated as being the best in terms of taste and quality are unfortunately not the widely known and available ones, but rather the specialty beers which tend to be harder to find. But if you’re a beer enthusiast, do yourself a favor and seek out at least a few of these. Your taste buds may experience a sudden revelation.

1. Westvleteren’s 12

This beer scored the highest rating in the study and it’s apparently widely appreciated by people who can get their hands on it. It’s brewed by the monks of the Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren in Belgium and sold right at the gates of the monastery, weekly. It has no label and contains just water, yeast, hops, malt, sugar and caramel. If you’re not planning a visit to Belgium too soon, you can also buy the beer online, sometimes.

2. Three Floyd’s Brewing Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout

Three Floyd’s Brewing has many famous beers, but Dark Lord tops them all. It’s a Russian Imperial Stout brewed with coffee and honey and molasses and it tastes divine. Unfortunately, they only sell it on Dark Lord Day (the last Saturday of April) and customers need to have some pre-bought tickets to the event.

3. AleSmith’s Speedway Stout

This is another Imperial Stout, brewed with coffee and with a total of 12% alcohol in full volume. It’s a strong beer, with a toasted hint.

4. Bell’s Expedition Stout

This is produced by Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan and it’s yet another strong stout (apparently these seem to be deemed the best for beer connoisseurs). It has a pitch black color and a strong coffee aftertaste, while also being somewhat sweet.

5. Three Floyd’s Brewing Dreadnaught Imperial IPA

The first non-stout on our list is yet another brew from the Three Floyd’s Brewing. This one has mango and peach undertones to keep it from tasting too bitter and an extreme flavor profile.

6. Founder’s Brewing Co.’s KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)

Apparently, if you’re a true beer lover, there’s nothing wrong with starting your day with a strong stout for breakfast. This one is brewed not just with coffee, but also with chocolates. It has a very dark and rich flavor and it’s only served after cave-aging in bourbon oak barrels.

7. Russian River’s Pliny the Elder

Yet another non-stout: this one is a Double India Pale Ale and it contains citrus, pine and fresh hops. It has a balanced taste and a dry finish.

8. Russian River’s Temptation

This time, the Russian River Brewery made it to the top with a sour blond ale, aged in Chardonnay barrels.

9. Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout

This stout is brewed in 18 year-old bourbon barrels for two years and its delicious chocolate undertones will make you come back for more.

10. Hair of the Dog’s Adam

The Adam ale from the Hair of the Dog brewery is actually a recreation of a historic beer style from Dortmund, Germany.

These were the best 10 beers in the world. May you get to enjoy them all.